“Be careful not to practice your righteousness
in front of others to be seen by them.
If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
Matthew 6:1 (NIV)
Dear Jesus, I enjoy helping the poor, but my past attempts have been a bit on the clunky side. I donate to the needy because I care about them, yes, but also because I relish the praise. And maybe too, I experience a little less guilt when I head out on my next shopping spree. Ha! Oh dear. Please clean up my motivations. May my future gifts be wise, quietly done, and genuinely helpful to others rather than spotlighting me!
Questions for Pondering…
Why would God want us to be quiet about our righteous acts?
Do the rewards that come from people seem more fulfilling than the rewards from God?
